NEW DELHI: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced that his government has created a new milestone by providing more than 55,000 government jobs to the youth within the first three years of its tenure — a record no other state has achieved so far.
Addressing a function to hand over appointment letters to 271 newly recruited employees, Mann said the move was part of his government’s ongoing Mission Rozgar, aimed at empowering the youth and ensuring their active role in Punjab’s development.
“Unlike previous governments that distributed jobs at the fag end of their terms, we began offering jobs from day one. So far, over 55,000 deserving candidates have secured government employment purely on merit,” the Chief Minister said.
Merit-Based Recruitment
Mann emphasized that all appointments were made through a transparent process, with candidates clearing rigorous examinations. “This is not a favor. These youth earned their jobs because of their caliber. For us, empowering the youth has been the top priority,” he added.
He urged the new recruits to serve with “missionary zeal” and dedicate their work to the welfare of underprivileged communities. “Your pen should serve the people and bring real change to society,” Mann told the appointees.
Education as the Key to Empowerment
Taking a sharp dig at traditional political parties, Mann accused past leaders of neglecting education while sending their own children to private convent schools. “Government schools were reduced to midday meal centers in earlier regimes. But today, our Schools of Eminence and improved learning outcomes show a different picture,” he said.
Punjab recently ranked first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala. Mann highlighted that 848 students from government schools qualified for NEET, 265 cleared JEE Mains, and 45 cracked JEE Advanced exams this year.
“No freebie or concession can eradicate poverty. Only education can raise the standard of living and bring people out of the vicious cycle,” the CM said.
Development Agenda
Mann said his government has been working tirelessly to reverse the “plunder and neglect” of previous regimes. “We never aspired for politics, but seeing how the state was looted, we stepped in. Unlike earlier leaders who ignored Punjab for vested interests, our government is focusing on holistic growth,” he said.
He pointed out that Punjab has witnessed “unprecedented progress” in sectors like education, healthcare, employment, and power in just three years. “Our intent is clear: to serve the people with dedication, commitment, and integrity,” Mann asserted.
The event was attended by Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Dr. Ravjot Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Tejveer Singh, Secretary Education Anindita Mitra, and other senior officials.
